Garlic sold in three states recalled due to possible botulism contamination

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USDA) says Tops Friendly Markets has issued a recall for peeled garlic due to possible botulism contamination.

What we know:

The USDA says the product was distributed at Tops Markets locations in New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. 

The recalled products are identified as follows:

• Christopher Ranch Peeled Garlic, 6 oz., packed in plastic bags with UPC 74574-10852 — all product code dates
• Garland Fresh Peeled Garlic, 6 oz., packed in plastic bags with UPCs of 71894-00000 and 68826-75340 — all product code dates.

What is Botulism?

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service says botulism is a life-threatening disease caused by the ingestion of a potent neurotoxin produced during growth of the C. botulinum bacteria. 

In the past, the USDA says botulism was linked primarily to home-canned foods, but in recent decades, botulism illnesses have been linked to foods such as un-refrigerated homemade salsa, baked potatoes sealed in aluminum foil, honey (the primary cause of botulism in infants), garlic in oil, and traditionally prepared salted or fermented fish.

What you can do:

Customers who have purchased the recalled garlic can return the item(s) to the store for a full refund.

If you have any questions, call Tops Consumer Affairs at 1-800-522-2522. This recall is being made with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.